Whether you’re in South Shore or Schaumburg, there’s nothing quite like a day trip to Downtown Chicago with the kids. Sure, it can get touristy — but locals know the magic, too. From skyline views to skyline-sized milkshakes, this is your go-to guide for a fun-filled family day.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best 2025 picks for restaurants, attractions, museums, shops and photo ops. Use it to plan one last summer hurrah or a fun weekend city escape with the kids.
Pro Tip: Hop on a train to avoid the fees and hassle of parking. Metra riders ages 11 and under can ride free on weekends and select holidays. Kids under 7 always ride free, and kids 7-11 ride for half price on weekdays. CTA also offers free fare for kids ages 7 and under.
Where to eat
JoJo’s Shake Bar
- Address: 23 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
These outrageous milkshakes will blow your kids’ minds! The Biggie Shakes at JoJo’s Shake Bar come with amazing toppings like a gold-sprinkled marshmallow, a sugar cookie or a chocolate-covered banana.
Eataly
- Address: 43 E. Ohio St., Chicago
Walk around this Italian marketplace to find fresh bread, pasta sauce and other delicious food. You can also stop by the restaurant, Osteria di Eataly, to enjoy Napoli-style pizza and pasta. Save room for dessert-to-go from the pastry bar with all the Italian desserts.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
- Address: 196 E. Pearson St., Chicago and 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Downtown Chicago is packed with so many breakfast places! Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe makes the top of our list. You can’t go wrong with any of the pancakes on the menu, especially the Cinnamon Roll or “Signature Berry Bliss” (if you have a sweet tooth).
Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch
- Address: Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
While you can find plenty of Harry Caray restaurants in Downtown Chicago, diners at the Water Tower Place locations can receive complimentary admission to the Chicago Sports Museum next door. Note: The museum sometimes closes early for private events, so check hours or call ahead before planning your visit!
Avli on The Park
- Address: 180 N. Field Blvd., Chicago
Modern Greek with a kid-welcoming menu and an easygoing patio near Maggie Daley Park. Think spanakopita, chicken skewers and baklava that the whole family can love.
Places to Shop
American Girl
- Address: 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
American Girl fans will love nothing more than to visit the flagship store in Downtown Chicago. It’s more than just a stop for shopping — there’s a salon to fix a doll’s hair or you can eat lunch at the adorable café. Before you go, check the upcoming special events listed on the store’s website.
The Lego Store
- Address: 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Also located in Water Tower Place, your kids can get their Lego fix in this store. Before you walk into the store, take a look at the iconic Chicago buildings built with Lego bricks on display. They’re huge!
IT’SUGAR
- Address: 717 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
You can’t say no to a candy store visit! IT’SUGAR makes the shopping experience fun by offering a variety of candy and plenty of photo opportunities, like a 11-foot Ferris wheel candy display and the Chicago skyline made of jellybeans.
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
- Address: 676 Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Step into the wizarding world at Chicago’s first-ever official Harry Potter Store — one of only a few in the world. Kids and superfans alike will love browsing house robes, wands, chocolate frogs and exclusive merch you can’t get anywhere else.
Family attractions not to miss
Maggie Daley Park
- Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Chicagoland has amazing playgrounds, and Maggie Daley Park’s Play Garden has something for kids of all ages. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy mini golf, rock climbing and ice skating. While you are there, take a stroll through Millennium Park to spot the Bean and attend festivals during the summer.
Museum of Illusions
- Address: 25 E. Washington St., Chicago
Get ready to challenge your minds and trick your senses at this weird, wacky and wonderful museum. Experience more than 80 one-of-kind exhibits that will teach your kids about math and science. Plus, you’ll be able to take so many fun photos!
Skydeck Chicago
- Address: 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago
If you want to see one of the best bird’s-eye views of the city skyline, take the Willis Tower elevator to the 103rd Floor. You can sit on The Ledge, a glass box that will let you look down below. Check out the new, interactive Chicago-themed museum. Read more in our Skydeck Chicago family guide.
Chicago Children’s Museum
- Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago
With 15 exhibits and play areas just for kids, your child will love spending the day at this children’s museum. Highlights include the “Cloud Buster,” 37-feet of steel, wood, turf and other scalable materials for kids to climb on and more kid-friendly exhibits.
Color Factory
- Address: 233 South Wacker Drive Lower Level 2, Chicago
Experience the rainbow as you make your way through the most colorful selfie museum in the city. Pose in front of carefully curated scenes and marvel at the bright details of interactive art installations. The engaging displays are influenced by Chicago’s culture, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to installations inspired by the city’s architecture.
Museum of Ice Cream
- Address: 435 Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago
Sample frozen treats while you play in an immersive world filled with 14 interactive exhibits, including a mini golf course, a pool filled with “sprinkles” and some Chicago-themed art installations.
Explore
Navy Pier
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
The downtown attraction is always a popular summer bucket list item for families. You can enjoy views of the city while eating outdoors, a quick boat ride or a fireworks show. We love exploring Polk Bros. Park, where there are free events during the warmer months. Plus, Navy Pier is home to Chicago Children’s Museum! Get all the tips, inside info and suggestions for exploring this popular attraction with kids in our Navy Pier family guide.
Chicago Riverwalk
- Address: Between Lake Street and Lake Shore Drive bridges
Stroll 1.25 miles along the Chicago River to find great restaurants, public art displays and some water fun. If you’re here at night, you’ll have the best view of Art on theMart, a nightly projection on the Merchandise Mart. Use our family guide to Chicago’s Riverwalk to discover more kid-friendly fun for your next riverfront adventure.
Art Institute of Chicago
- Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
In the center of Downtown Chicago, spend some time at one of the best art museums in the world. Kids ages 14 and under always get in for free, as well as Chicago teens under 18. After seeing some amazing art, drop in at the Ryan Learning Center for family-friendly activities. Learn how to customize your family’s tour with our family guide to the Art Institute.
Chicago Architecture Center
- Address: 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago
Walk through the Chicago Architecture Center to discover the magnificent buildings in our city. The while family will enjoy the kid-friendly walking tours like the Great Chicago Fire Family Walking Tour and Chicago: Chicago Architecture Basics. They also run family events and programs through the year.
This article was recently updated on July 23, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her fact-checking expertise to provide the latest and most recent information on family-friendly attractions in downtown Chicago. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.
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